Published on
October 4, 2025
China’s approach to shaping holiday travel has led to remarkable advancements in the railway travel system paired with improvements in the equity of transfer services. This year, during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, the enhanced services reform the holiday travel experience. The predicted and unprecedented 18.25 million one-day passengers during the holiday necessitated the addition of 900 specially scheduled convenience trains to the holiday travel schedule. The holiday travel schedule made holiday travel journeys quicker and more efficient. The introduction of the newly coordinated scheduled timed connections with other local travel systems (buses, subways, and ride-hailing systems) improved the equity of travel connections through use of systems and reduced the average connections wait times. The newly introduced late night services extend the operational span of newly added travel services, while the newly added recharge stations and other services formally provide system and travel experience improvements. All reductions in travel times improve the experience of holiday travelers, expanding and improving the holiday season infrastructure.
China’s railway authorities have implemented a series of measures to cater to the growing demand for travel during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, which runs from October 1 to 8. These measures include increasing the number of trains, coordinating with local public transportation, and offering convenient services for passengers. The railway system is geared up to handle millions of travelers, ensuring that both daytime and nighttime transportation needs are met efficiently.
During the holiday period, China’s railways expect to see an unprecedented number of passengers. On October 3, the third day of the eight-day holiday, the rail network is set to manage a staggering 18.25 million passenger journeys. To accommodate this massive surge in passengers, the authorities have scheduled an additional 929 trains to run on busy routes. These trains aim to ease overcrowding and ensure that passengers can travel with comfort and convenience.
In an effort to improve passenger experience during the holiday, railway authorities have gone beyond just adding trains. They have strengthened their coordination with local public transportation services to provide seamless travel options for passengers. This collaboration spans multiple modes of transportation, including buses, subways, and ride-hailing services. By synchronizing the arrival and departure times of trains with local transport services, railway authorities have made it easier for passengers to transfer between different modes of transportation, minimizing waiting times and improving overall efficiency.
One significant aspect of these efforts is the increase in late-night transportation options. Many travelers need to get to their destinations late at night or early in the morning, especially those arriving on high-speed trains that operate well into the evening. To address this, railway authorities have worked closely with local bus and subway services to ensure that passengers traveling at night have access to reliable transportation. For example, in several cities, including Linyi in Shandong Province, additional late-night buses now operate based on the arrival schedules of high-speed trains. These buses run until 4:00 a.m., providing passengers with a way to continue their journeys even after train services have concluded for the day.
Moreover, this focus on meeting passenger needs extends to the provision of essential services at railway stations. Recognizing the long hours many travelers spend waiting for their trains, authorities have worked to improve the amenities available at stations. One such service includes free charging stations, which have been installed in various railway stations to ensure passengers can charge their devices while waiting. In places like Lintong Railway Station in Shaanxi Province, travelers can charge their phones or laptops free of charge, making their wait more comfortable and convenient.
The addition of extra trains and services is not the only way the railway system is catering to passenger needs during the holiday. The authorities have also prioritized the safety and comfort of travelers. Measures have been put in place to ensure that stations are adequately staffed and that there are sufficient security personnel on hand to manage large crowds and prevent any disruptions. Special attention is given to ensuring that vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and passengers with disabilities, have access to appropriate services and assistance.
The increased capacity and additional services come at a time when travel demand is peaking across the country. The National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is one of the most significant travel periods in China, with millions of people traveling to visit family, friends, or take part in holiday festivities. The government and railway authorities have recognized this peak demand and have worked to enhance the railway network’s capacity and efficiency. By increasing the number of trains and coordinating with local transport services, they aim to ensure that as many passengers as possible can travel safely and comfortably.
Additionally, the move to extend late-night services is an acknowledgment of modern travel habits. In an increasingly connected world, many people travel at all hours, whether for work or leisure. Late-night travel is becoming more common, and by offering additional transport options during these hours, the authorities are responding to the changing needs of travelers. This also helps reduce congestion during peak daytime hours and spreads the travel load more evenly throughout the day and night.
The upgrades to the railway network also reflect a broader trend in China’s commitment to improving infrastructure and transportation services. With its rapid economic growth and rising middle class, China has become one of the largest and most dynamic travel markets in the world. The country’s rail network has been expanding rapidly in recent years, and during major holiday periods like this one, the authorities have shown their ability to adapt and scale services to meet the demand. These improvements are not just about accommodating more people; they are also about improving the overall travel experience for passengers, ensuring that they can reach their destinations in a timely and efficient manner.
To accommodate holiday travel demand during the National Day holiday and Mid-Autumn Festival, China has increased the number of railway trains by over 900 and improved supplementary local public transport interchanges. These modifications, as well as expanded railway travel lines, were scheduled across the holiday travel period to try and better accommodate the demand by holiday travelers, looking to redistribute the travel loads across the holiday period.
In conclusion, China’s railway authorities have taken significant steps to ensure the success of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday travel period. By adding extra trains, coordinating with local transport services, extending late-night options, and offering additional amenities such as free charging stations, they are addressing the diverse needs of passengers. These measures highlight the importance of providing efficient, comfortable, and accessible transportation services, especially during peak travel times. With careful planning and collaboration, the authorities are able to provide a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for millions of people across the country.
